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A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR

And some of them repented of their riotous living And bemoaned their fate. But they had not a prayer. And at the last hour there came among them One known as the instructor; And they feared exceedingly. She passed papers among them and went her way. And many and varied were the answers that were given, For some of her teachings had fallen among fertile minds, While other had fallen flat. And some they were who wrote for one hour The Pastor is feeling a tinge of wistful nostalgia as our first-born has left the nest to begin the next season of his life at Central Washington University. Ben begins classes today (9/24) and I find myself remembering my own first days of college away from home for the first time. Knowing there are also at least a couple others of our church youth starting similar new experiences in various places this season I thought I would dedicate this month’s Pastor’s Ruminations to Education and college endeavors. For Ben Rice, Bethany Crass, Mikki Sergeant and Johnny Browne, all our youth and anyone else who is starting a new educational life chapter this fall… First, some apt humor and words of wisdom from various sources: And It Came to Pass And it came to pass, Early in the morning toward the last day of the semester There arose a great multitude smiting the books and wailing, And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth For the day of judgment was at hand. And they were sore afraid for they had left undone Those things which they ought to have done. And they had done those things which they ought not to have done And there was no help for it. And there were many abiding in the dorm Who had kept watch over their books by night, But it availed them naught. But some were who rose peacefully, For they had prepared themselves the way And made straight paths of knowledge. And these were known as wise burners of the midnight oil. And to others they were known as “curve-raisers.” And the multitude arose and ate a hearty breakfast. And they came unto the appointed place And their hearts were heavy within them. And they had come to pass, but some to pass out. Others for two; But some turned away sorrowfully, and many of these Offered up a little bull in hope of pacifying the instructor. From the day we entered the Health and Wellness class, one blackboard was covered with the names and locations of the major bones and muscles of the human body. The diagram stayed on the board throughout the term, although the teacher never referred to it. The day of the final exam, we came to class to find the board wiped clean. The sole test question was: “Name and locate every major bone and muscle in the human body.” The class protested in unison: “We never studied that!” “That’s no excuse,” said the teacher. “The information was there for months.” After we struggled with the test for a while, he collected the papers and tore them up. “Always remember,” he told us, “that education is more than just learning what you are told.” Ben, Bethany, Mikki, and Johnny, Remember what your parents taught you… ? Remember in everything you do and say you also represent your family, your community, your church and your Lord… And most importantly, remember that you are loved- that Christ walks with you and that your church family is praying for your success and growth and fulfillment of your dreams. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Have a great Year! Pastor Marc